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The Chester Step Test is a scientific way to measure an individuals fitness level.
The Chester Step does this by seeing how quick someone recovers after a standardised exertion.
The Chester Step Test requires a patient to step onto, and off a 30 cm step at a rate set by a metronome disc, enough to get a heart rate of around 80% of the maximum heart rate.
It does this by speeding up the rate every 2 minutes
Exercise heart rates are then plotted on a graph against age, gender and an aerobic capacity and fitness rating is then calculated.
New or uncontrolled heart conditions/ Blood pressure / lung conditions are generally contra-indicated to having this assessment done. Therefore please ensure you do not book this assessment if you have these underlying conditions
Procedure for the Chester Step Test
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You should be in casual/ exercise clothing and trainers
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You should not have smoked for eaten for a few hours before the test
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You should NOT be fasted for the test
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Your BP will be measured and should be in the normal range
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if your BP is outside the acceptable range you be asked to come back at a later stage to complete the medical.
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You will be consented for the test
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Both your maximum heart rate (220 – Age) and your 80% of maximum heart rate will be recored.
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A heart rate monitor will be attached to you, and you will be told what will be required of you during the test
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After the first 2 minutes of stepping (stage 1) your heart rate will be recorded during the last few seconds of stepping. You will also be asked to indicate your rating of perceived exertion (RPE) from a Borg scale
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Providing your heart rate is below 80% of your maximum heart rate and the RPE is below satisfactory , you’ll be asked to continue stepping at the slightly faster rate in stage 2 (20 steps/min)
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After another 2 minutes of stepping your heart rate will be recorded during the last few seconds of stage 2, and again you may be asked to indicate your RPE from the chart provided
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Providing your heart rate is below 80% of your maximum heart rate and the RPE is satisfactory , you’ll be asked to continue stepping at the slightly faster rate is stage 3 (25 steps/min)
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The test will continue until either you report an RPE greater than 14 and/or an exercise heart rate greater than 80% of your maximum heart rate (stage 4 = 30 steps/min, stage 5 = 35 steps/min)
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Your results will then be plotted and your fitness level will be calculated.
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You will be given water and some time to recover.
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You will leave the FlyingMedicine™ with your certificate of fitness and categorisation
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If a specific medical check, test, investigation or certificate is required which is not listed then please contact us directly for a price.
*Payment is required to secure the booking and to minimise no shows and late cancellations.